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**meliq** · #31 3 Jul 2010

My ide is to install a couple of pannier on a klr 650. What do you recomend me, my idea is 70-30% pave road and off road, most of the kms will be done on patagonian roads.
Thanks for your time.
Meliq

**PocketHead** · #32 3 Jul 2010

I use Andy Strapz saddle bags, they're excellent! In fact I've been using them for over a year and they're in excellent condition still. They're a little expensive but I couldn't place a higher recommendation on anything I've ever purchased before.

**gsworkshop** · #33 5 Nov 2010

I can highly recommend these;

Great Basin Saddlebag from Giant Loop.
Giant Loop™ Moto: Saddlebags for Motorcycles | Welcome

**englisharchie** · #34 5 Nov 2010

i went down west africa for 7 months last year swear by soft panniers lighter safer no leg breaking Its not uk but ive never never had anything stolen I leave again on sun 14th nov with what i consider the best panniers made in the usa agent at melbourne derbyshire Wolfman panniers BAH People are obsessed by alloy panniers WHy Oh dont say im just lucky spent god part of my working life in developing countries

**bugsy** · #35 7 Nov 2010

the exped woolfman's ssaddle bags are great kit _ the top roll-
and a mesh- it works

**Jtw000** · #36 8 Jan 2011

What about plastic? I have had my eye on Give BT21 plastic panniers for some time. They're small but they lock so anything important can go in there and the rest gets strapped on, if somebody wants to steal my old socks they're welcome to them. Kappa make licensed copies or a different badge on the same thing (depends who you talk to) and you can pic them up in the UK for less than £100. They're tough, lightweight ABS and seem plenty durable enough without being totally solid. I'm still scratching my head what's best for me but my bike is small and I don't want to overload or spend all my money on expensive kit.

**tmotten** · #37 8 Jan 2011

I've gone to the dark side of soft luggage. Those skinny panniers worked brilliantly, but the weight got to me the more interested in riding dirt I became.

I'm using Giant Loop Coyote bags now with the sleeping bag and mat strapped behind it through the big straps they provide. Weighs next to nothing and doesn't hurt when it lands on you. Actually makes it better.

Security is a myth. A fully loaded bike covered in muck is a people magnet everywhere. For that reason I know I don't like keeping it parked out of sight. This is easier and less hindrance than it sounds. If you want to look at a town just stay the night and park is securely. Soft luggage (in particular the coyote) is very easily removed and carried to the room. Job done. So I end up enjoying the ride more, can go over more difficult terrain with ease and are easier and safer to use.

Those plastic cases may look good but you can't repair them. Some have had issues with cracks from vibration. They're really more designed for road riding. Pelican cases are a lot stronger and quite popular.

**realmc26** · #38 26 Feb 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmotten

I've gone to the dark side of soft luggage. Those skinny panniers worked brilliantly, but the weight got to me the more interested in riding dirt I became.

I'm using Giant Loop Coyote bags now with the sleeping bag and mat strapped behind it through the big straps they provide. Weighs next to nothing and doesn't hurt when it lands on you. Actually makes it better.

Security is a myth. A fully loaded bike covered in muck is a people magnet everywhere. For that reason I know I don't like keeping it parked out of sight. This is easier and less hindrance than it sounds. If you want to look at a town just stay the night and park is securely. Soft luggage (in particular the coyote) is very easily removed and carried to the room. Job done. So I end up enjoying the ride more, can go over more difficult terrain with ease and are easier and safer to use.

Those plastic cases may look good but you can't repair them. Some have had issues with cracks from vibration. They're really more designed for road riding. Pelican cases are a lot stronger and quite popular.

Just wondering did you a do a big trip with the giant loop bags?
What were you on and did you need any rack etc to attach the straps to or keep it off the exhaust?

cheers,

James

**tmotten** · #39 26 Feb 2011

Sadly haven't yet, other than around my place for a week away etc. That was on my other bike which is a DRZ. My travel bike is a F650 Dakar which I'm currently rebuilding from the ground up to remove 40kg or rubbish. Next big trip will be in 2014.

No need for a rack with giant loops which is why they are so good. 30+ litres is heaps of room because you can leave the sleeping bag and matt etc outside of it behind the giant loop straps so you don't need a rack for that bag either. Brilliant design really. Most simple ideas are.
Only thing with the coyote is that they fit better with a narrow back seat, but it still works with a wider seat.
It's designed to follow the rider's body profile and this clears most exhaust systems. It sits on the plastic which can bend and touch the exhaust, but a pipe clamp that's included keep this off. They also have a better looking shield for and extra charge.

**realmc26** · #40 27 Feb 2011

great, thanks for the reply,

Cheers,
James

**Tim Wood** · #41 18 Jun 2011

I saw these on the WA Border Run last year. They didn't seem to have any problems on both dirt and tar. I'll bet they were cheap. The "Nomad" extra fuel container is of interest. They're available here in Oz.